In a noticeable evolution, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, presented at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ annual Governors Awards, has seemingly undergone a significant transformation to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values. The award, named after Danish-American actor and philanthropist Jean Hersholt, who passed away in 1956, has been periodically bestowed since 1957.

Traditionally, the academy honored individuals in the motion picture arts and sciences who made significant humanitarian efforts that brought credit to the industry. However, according to the academy’s website, the award has been redefined to recognize those whose humanitarian endeavors contribute to rectifying inequities and promote human welfare in the film industry.

The most recent recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is Michelle Satter, the founding director of the Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program. Satter was honored for her work in supporting independent filmmakers during the 14th Governors Awards ceremony held in January at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The delay in holding the 2023 ceremony was due to a labor strike by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Previous recipients of the award include veteran actor Michael J. Fox, who was recognized for his advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s disease, and notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Harry Belafonte, and Danny Glover.

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is one of the three accolades presented during the Governors Awards ceremony, alongside the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Honorary Award. The Governors Awards ceremony was removed from the Oscars telecast in 2009 to accommodate time constraints and has since been held in an untelevised format.

The inclusion of “rectifying inequities” in the award’s criteria signifies a significant but gradual shift toward embracing diversity and inclusion. This aligns with the academy’s broader efforts to promote equitable hiring practices and representation in the film industry. The 96th Academy Awards, held in March 2024, introduced new representation and diversity requirements aimed at encouraging inclusivity both on and off-screen.

For a film to be eligible for the Best Picture category, it must meet specific representation and inclusion standards, including themes and narratives, creative leadership, industry access, and opportunities, as well as audience development. These standards encompass the inclusion of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, women, individuals from the LGBT community, and those with cognitive or physical disabilities.

The academy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is part of its ongoing 2025 Aperture initiative, which was unveiled in 2020. The initiative includes measures such as unconscious bias training for academy governors and the establishment of an “Office of Representation, Inclusion, and Equity” to oversee these comprehensive efforts.